Former champions Montego Bay United have made the surprise announcement that they have parted ways with their Argentine head coach, Rodolfo Zapata.

The decision, which was mutually agreed on by both parties comes just two days before the club was scheduled to face Tivoli Gardens on Match Day 26 in the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League, was revealed in a statement from the club on social media.

“Montego Bay United and Coach Rodolfo Zapata have mutually agreed to part ways,” It said “We appreciate his dedication and contributions to the club and the Jamaica Premier League.”

MBU Chairman Yoni Epstein, who confirmed the news with IRIE FM, described the move as unfortunate but says it was the right one for the club.

Epstein also gave the following answer when asked for a specific reason for Zapata’s departure

Montego Bay United, who recently battled to a 1-1 draw with defending champions Cavalier on Match Day 25, are currently in third place in the Jamaica Premier League standings with 45 points.

The team going forward will be led by assistant coach Dillon Thelwell on an interim basis. His first course of action will be to prepare the squad for the clash with 8th placed Tivoli Gardens at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex on Monday.

Zapata, who took over as head coach at the end of the 2023-2024 season, had replaced Brazilian coach Neider Dos Santos. Dos Santos was dismissed after Montego Bay United missed out on the playoffs on goal difference, despite an impressive unbeaten run in their final 10 matches of the season.

The 58-year-old began his career as a professional football player in Argentina before pursuing a coaching degree. He later moved to North America, where he worked for the USA Olympic Development Program, helping to coach and identify young talent for the U.S. national team.

His coaching journey has seen him take the reins at some of the biggest clubs in South Africa, Botswana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda.